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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 50. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by henryo on January 2, 2008, at 2:21:21
DEPLIN, ( L-methylfolate ) is the most fantastic (actually the only fantastic) anti-depressant I have ever taken. I know all these meds work differently for each of us (I know too well) but for me this stuff worked like a light switch. I feel like I’m supposed to feel. It is like that movie “Awakenings”. The cost of depression to my life and in my relationships is incalculable, truly devastating. This is like being Rip Van Winkle. I wake up and here are the tatters of my life. But I can handle all this and start in patching it up. I feel good. The past is past. I don’t feel that enervating, debilitating and overwhelming emotional pain. And in case you think I’m a shill for some pharmaceutical company, you can look up my posts for over ten years. Many people have suffered worse but I’ve done my share.
So, I went to my Pdoc and told him that the Lamictal was keeping my head above water. I knew I’d be far worse without it. But sometimes the immense sense of grief, or what ever that crazy continuous malevolent pain is, kept me in bed all day. Being around people made me feel like weeping. So he gave me a scrip for Emsam and Deplin (haven’t tried the Emsam. Don’t need to.) Well the $50 scrip for Deplin isn’t covered by Blue Cross, because Deplin is prescription “medical food.” (Don’t you love those guys?) So OK, I’ll try anything I can afford.
I had no expectations of any kind except maybe that it might dry up my mouth, give me the shakes or kill my sexuality. (It doesn’t) Then over night, just like that I feel all right. I wake up at a normal time and get tired at night (like I am now). It is astounding. There is plenty of wreckage, but I am able to move forward. If there were one person who reads this and has the same reaction as I have had then that would be WAY cool. You can research it all you like on line, I have. I’m not going to go into all its speculated modes of action. I just want to say. I have suffered. I don’t like it. Today I feel normal. Not mentally ill. Happy. I wish that this stuff would be for everybody what it has been for me.
Posted by stargazer2 on January 2, 2008, at 9:02:25
In reply to DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by henryo on January 2, 2008, at 2:21:21
Hi Henry, just to clear up what Deplin is, it is not an antidepressant. Is is folic acid in it's most readily absorbable form for use by the body. It is generally given with an AD (Emsam, for you) to enhance the effects or replace any deficits of folic acid which have been determined to affect depression's impact or use of a prescibed AD.
So using it alone as you are doing is not the typical way to use it but since I am a strong proponent of less medication, you are getting the effect of depression improvemnt which is what this is all about. Whether or not your response to Deplin is from folic deficiency or a placebo effect is undeterminable, but it is doing something for you.
Good luck in achieving the continued response you are currently getting. How long have you been taking it? Are you on anything else with deplin?
Stargazer
Posted by Phillipa on January 2, 2008, at 15:24:47
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by stargazer2 on January 2, 2008, at 9:02:25
Stargazer if your folic acid is determined by testing to be normal I still don't get what Deplin can do for a person without a definciency but if it works alone that's terrific. Maybe nutrition is behind a lot of the mental illnesses we suffer from? Love Phillipa ps disclaimer just a thought. No fact involved. I just think so it's my thought only no one else's
Posted by star008 on January 2, 2008, at 16:07:29
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo » stargazer2, posted by Phillipa on January 2, 2008, at 15:24:47
I am glad it works for you.. I don't notice any difference at all with it, (only the 57 bucks I don't have now), lol.. My folic acid level wsa normal before I started taking it. I read a bit about it but don't know much.. I think it said something about helping serotonin work better.
I don't think I will keep taking it as it doesn't work for me.
Posted by bleauberry on January 2, 2008, at 18:53:45
In reply to DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by henryo on January 2, 2008, at 2:21:21
My personal experience is that a particular B vitamin, or SAMe, can help tremendously in a very short time. Like in a few days or less. I had been taking B vitamins for years and didn't feel anything. Then I was told to reduce the vitamins, but to increase folate from 400mcg to 800mcg and then 1200mcg. Oh my. Did I feel a ton better real fast or what! It was amazing. Same with happened with SAMe.
I think there is something to the whole B vitamin circuitry, but that it takes a specific vitamin for a specific person. For one person it might be B12, for another folate, for another something else. If there is some sort of error in metabolizing the vitamin, then something P5P instead of B6, or methyl B12 instead of cobalB12, or deplin instead folate, could help tremendously.
All B vitamins and SAMe cause me severe leg pains and cramps. Scary. Almost a paralysis kind of thing. I have not yet figured it out. My best guesses are: some sort of under-the-surface neuroleptic malignant syndrome that is easily triggered; or mobilizing of toxins lead and mercury that are going mainly to my legs because most of the day that is where all the activity and circulation is going.
If I could get my probs figured out, I would be nearly cured on folate or SAMe, as you are on deplin.
Posted by Phillipa on January 2, 2008, at 18:57:30
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by bleauberry on January 2, 2008, at 18:53:45
Blueberry I used to do wonderful on a certain brand only sold through distributors starts with an S but I tried other brands after moving and they increased anxiety and made me feel worse. So I agree with you. No tests for B vitamins available? Phillipa
Posted by bleauberry on January 3, 2008, at 19:51:35
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate » bleauberry, posted by Phillipa on January 2, 2008, at 18:57:30
Yes Phillipa, there are tests on B vitamins. I had one done that showed I have a genetic defect in one of the B vitamins. But these kinds of tests are almost worthless...because no one knows enough about the defect to know what to do about it. So what if I know something is wrong. All I want to know is how to fix it. The best anyone can do is take high doses to overcome the genetic defect. Maybe that's why people with adequate folate, SAMe, B6, or B12 levels respond rapidly to double or triple doses of one of those. As best I can tell, with the B vitamins it really doesn't matter what the lab results say, all that matters is how you feel with experimental dosage trials. If you feel better on some particular vitamin taken at a very high dose, then you probably have some flaw in that circuit that took a large dose to overcome, regardless that blood levels looked fine to begin with.
> Blueberry I used to do wonderful on a certain brand only sold through distributors starts with an S but I tried other brands after moving and they increased anxiety and made me feel worse. So I agree with you. No tests for B vitamins available? Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2008, at 20:43:11
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate » Phillipa, posted by bleauberry on January 3, 2008, at 19:51:35
Blueberry when had active lymes disease had a high b12 level. Level done by infection control specialist. I've taken high doses of b6 ob-gyn said to for PMS and seemed to work well. Now the complex makes me feel anxious so wierd. I did like the S one. Love Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on January 6, 2008, at 11:40:29
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by stargazer2 on January 2, 2008, at 9:02:25
Stargazer,
Are you still taking Deplin? When I took it yesterday I felt really weird. Out of it and panicky. Maybe 7.5 was too much to start?
Just wondering how you are doing.
brooke
Posted by brooke484 on January 6, 2008, at 11:41:33
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by brooke484 on January 6, 2008, at 11:40:29
.
Posted by stargazer2 on January 8, 2008, at 21:37:50
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by brooke484 on January 6, 2008, at 11:40:29
Brooke, I do not take deplin regularly so I'm not sure of the effects of it. I was not willing to pay for it and I wasn't sure what it does. I did buy some Methyl folate so I do try and take that regularly. Hard to tell if it is helping but I decreased Nardil to 45 and shortly thereafter had to increase it back to 60 so it is doing something for my depresssion.
How are you doing and what are your taking these days?
Stargazer
Posted by brooke484 on January 8, 2008, at 22:50:47
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by stargazer2 on January 8, 2008, at 21:37:50
I'm not doing so well. I'm still on 40 mgs of Marplan but it's not doing anything except maybe helping my mood a tiny bit. I've been on that dose for 4 weeks, so I'll stick with it for 8. If that doesn't work I guess I'll add Lamictal. I thought the Deplin made me feel funny, but that was some kind of virus, so I'll try that again this weekend. I'm just so out of it, tired, like a zombie. This is no way to live. Wish I had better news for you.
brooke :(
Posted by henryo on January 10, 2008, at 4:08:19
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by stargazer2 on January 2, 2008, at 9:02:25
Stargazer, you didn't read my whole post before you started to clear things up.
I am not using Deplin alone. As I said, I am taking Lamictal. I have been for several years. It has always worked much better than anything before it, but at times things still got painful.
Deplin is not folic acid. Folic acid is folic acid. Deplin is what your body metabolizes folic acid into. You would have to take 53 1000 mg tablets of folic acid for your body even to be able to produce the equivalent one 7.5 mg pill of Deplin.
Deplin is an AD, an augmentation AD. It requires a prescription and it is specifically for depression. Vitamins are not FDA approved for depression.
Taking Deplin was a shot in the dark, as is every other medication ever posted about in this forum. Like every single medication here the efficacy of each varies greatly between individuals. If you get into the truly fine print of how any psychoactive medication works the final explanations are theory and the mechanism of action is always unknown. They say so clearly.
Nobody has ever determined I have any kind of nutritional deficiencies of any kind, folic acid or otherwise.
I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure. I have tried more than a dozen medications over nearly two decades. I know what depression is. I think I have some experience and valid insights into my own condition.
Good luck in achieving the continued response you are currently getting. Even if you dont mean that as backhanded, it sounds like it given the tone of most of your post.
Posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 12:28:55
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by henryo on January 10, 2008, at 4:08:19
Are you taking 7.5 mgs once a day? And you just woke up the next morning and you felt normal? That's amazing.
I've been on Marplan for a few months and I'm supposed to add Deplin and Lamictal to that. If I get even a little improvement I'll be happy.
Glad it's working so well for you. It's worth every cent then.
Brooke
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 22:30:21
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 12:28:55
Brooke just home very late now as long drive and she the pdoc prescirbed 7.5mg of Deplin called it a brain food not that familiar yet with it as a matter of fact I'm her first patient she's prescribed it for. Gave me one sample pill. Will take half tomorrow not sure if am or pm cause of my high anxiety. And pharmacy had to special order it. Said they are also using it for Alzheimers. So I am old I guess. But seriously it is a real med so going to bite the bullet pay for it. Love Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 22:42:49
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 22:30:21
Hope it works for both you and me!
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 23:08:28
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 22:42:49
Brooke hey your up too going to shower and bed now are you taking it am or pm? Love Phillipa babblemail anytime compare experiences.
Posted by henryo on January 11, 2008, at 0:45:39
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 23:08:28
I'm watching and listening. I hope good things happen. Keep posting. Thanks
Posted by brooke484 on January 11, 2008, at 11:26:37
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 23:08:28
I'm supposed to take in the morning, but I probably won't start it for about a week. I have a terrible stomach virus right now and I've been very dizzy and lightheaded, so I didn't want to start something new while I'm sick.
If I have anything positive to report I will.
Good luck with your trial.
brooke
Posted by Phillipa on January 11, 2008, at 18:16:28
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/phillipa, posted by brooke484 on January 11, 2008, at 11:26:37
Brooke took half the pill this am didn't have a single side effect. Also if you goggle Deplin there is a coupon for Deplin you can print off your computer. My insurance is not good so Greg did . I saved about one third and will be receiving a card in the mail for future refills for Deplin according to pharmacist. The med is so new they don't even have a side effect or monogram to attach to the script it says to go to Deplin.com. But I have it in hand. Love Phillipa The script that is.Bottle of 7.5mg pills for a month
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 15, 2008, at 2:57:25
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate/henryo, posted by henryo on January 10, 2008, at 4:08:19
> I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure.
Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. If you'd like us to review a post, please use the "notify administrators" button that follows it.
But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
I encourage anyone who has questions about this or about posting policies in general, or is interested in alternative ways of expressing themselves, to see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by deplinaire on June 11, 2008, at 7:51:20
In reply to Re: please be civil » henryo, posted by Dr. Bob on January 15, 2008, at 2:57:25
> > I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure.
>
> Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. If you'd like us to review a post, please use the "notify administrators" button that follows it.
>
> But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
>
> I encourage anyone who has questions about this or about posting policies in general, or is interested in alternative ways of expressing themselves, to see the FAQ:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforce
>
> Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BobBob,
On behalf of HenryO I have to say I felt that misinformation was somewhat uncivil to him. I have been taking Deplin and it is as HenryO clarified not Folic Acid but the desired end product. I have found Deplin to be worth every red cent and I have left Lamictal, Equatro (oh gosh that was bad) and have been for quite some time on the low dosage of Ambilify. To tell the truth I wonder if the Deplin alone doesn't give me the placid mind in and of itself.
I was grateful for HenryO assertiveness because others could greatly benefit from Deplin and I don't think his credibility deserved "correction" when he was in fact the one correct while the other person was ignorant, presumptious, and in fact misleading the thread.
Thank you all for great insight.
Posted by psmith on June 12, 2008, at 15:42:13
In reply to Re: please be fair, posted by deplinaire on June 11, 2008, at 7:51:20
My adult daughter was given a prescription for Deplin yesterday and took the first dose today. How long does it take to have an effect? She has been through so many meds and is on quite a cocktail now - we are so hopeful that there will be a quick turnaround for her. Any input into how long she has to wait to feel better would be encouraging. Thanks,
psmith
> > > I think it is arrogant of you to speculate that I may have had a placebo effect cure.
> >
> > Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. If you'd like us to review a post, please use the "notify administrators" button that follows it.
> >
> > But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
> >
> > I encourage anyone who has questions about this or about posting policies in general, or is interested in alternative ways of expressing themselves, to see the FAQ:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforce
> >
> > Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Bob
>
> Bob,
>
> On behalf of HenryO I have to say I felt that misinformation was somewhat uncivil to him. I have been taking Deplin and it is as HenryO clarified not Folic Acid but the desired end product. I have found Deplin to be worth every red cent and I have left Lamictal, Equatro (oh gosh that was bad) and have been for quite some time on the low dosage of Ambilify. To tell the truth I wonder if the Deplin alone doesn't give me the placid mind in and of itself.
>
> I was grateful for HenryO assertiveness because others could greatly benefit from Deplin and I don't think his credibility deserved "correction" when he was in fact the one correct while the other person was ignorant, presumptious, and in fact misleading the thread.
>
> Thank you all for great insight.
>
>
Posted by psmith on June 12, 2008, at 16:12:09
In reply to DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by henryo on January 2, 2008, at 2:21:21
I am desperate for some hope - how long does it take to feel the effects of Deplin? My daughter has been through the ringer for about two years. She was diagnosed bipolar at 6 and is now 26. the past two years have been awful - she graduated from college in 2006. College was good for her but now she is so bad that we have had to consider permanent disability - she has been hospitalized, lost more jobs than I can name, isolated herself from friends so long she has none now and my heart is breaking. She is a bright, creative woman whose life could be completely different if she could get past this current depression and its complications. Deplin may be our last hope - but we would like to know how long we havd to wait to see if it will help. Thanks for any input.
psmith
Posted by Phillipa on June 12, 2008, at 20:50:51
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate, posted by psmith on June 12, 2008, at 16:12:09
According to other posts can have a positive blip around three days and then leave. Think it's about the same as ad's at least four weeks. So sorry about your Daughter. Heartbreaking for you. Love Phillipa ps google Deplin lots of threads.
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